Making it Worx

Trialsworx, Kidsworx put trials on display

Unfortunately, Baia says trials remains a niche sport despite
the number of spectators that come out for events, but he says there is
interest in holding a World Cup event as part of Crankworx next year that would
bring out the top names in Europe as well as North America.

“It’s really an impressive setting for the event, with venues
on the Fitz and in the village and probably 500 to 1,000 spectators at each
spot,” said Baia. “It’s a little different than all the other events, but if
you can ride trials you can ride pretty much anything you might find on a
trail. I know my sons don’t ride the North Shore that often, but when they do
it’s no problem because of all the skills they learned in trials biking.”

The Friday, Aug. 15 Kidsworx competition for kids 10 and under
runs from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., followed by the novice, poussin, sport, and
femina riders from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Two lines will be in the village and one in
the Fitzsimmons Creek bed by Rebagliati Park.

On Saturday, the competition features the expert, master and
elite categories, starting at 10 a.m. and running to 2 p.m.

The Baia brothers will also be doing trials demos in the
village at Town Plaza, near the gazebo, from Aug. 11 to 17, four times a day.
The final location for the different lines will be posted during the week for
spectators, but likely sites include Town Plaza and man-made creek outside the
Village 8 movie theatre. Organizers are also hoping to have a course at the
base of Whistler Mountain.

For more information, visit www.baiabros.com/trialsworx.

Womenzworx back for second year

After a successful debut at Crankworx 2007, organizers are
bringing back Womenzworx, which includes two days of discounted lessons and
rentals for female riders and a women’s only Gala Competition on the final day
with $3,200 in prize money. Katrina Strand, a past national champion and World
Cup downhill racer, is once again organizing the event, along with Lisa Lefroy,
a professional mountain biker.

On both Aug. 11 and 12, Whistler-Blackcomb will be offering
half day clinics for $29.99, including lift tickets. Package deals, including
bike rentals, protective gear, the clinics and lift tickets are just $79.99. As
well, the first 100 women each day will get a free Whistler Mountain Bike Park
lift ticket.

On Aug. 12, the day will wrap up with the Gala Competition
event. As with last year, the event takes place around the mountain with judges
watching competitors on three judged sections through the bike park. They’ll be
looking for style, fluidity, tricks, air time, and creativity.